Features: SLAM-ER addresses the Navy's requirements of a precision-guided Standoff Outside of Area Defense weapons. SLAM-ER extends the weapon system's combat effectiveness into the next century, providing an effective, long range, precision strike option for both pre-planned and Target of Opportunity attack missions against land and ship targets. Most significant among these enhancements are: a highly accurate, GPS-aided guidance system; improved missile aerodynamic performance characteristics that allow both greater range and more effective terminal attack profiles; a redesigned ordnance section for increased penetrating power and lethality; and a more user-friendly interface for both Man-in-the-Loop control and mission planning. SLAM-ER will be the first weapon to feature Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA), a revolutionary technological breakthrough which will automate and improve target acquisition in cluttered scenes, and overcome most countermeasures and environmentally degraded conditions.

Inventory: Classified

Background: SLAM-ER roots go back to the original Harpoon anti-ship missile placed in the fleet in the late 1970s. Because of emerging operational requirements, missile for land attack was developed as a derivative of the Harpoon. The SLAM was developed and fielded in less than 48 months and was successfully employed by F/A-18 and A-6 aircrews in Desert Storm even before operational testing had begun. The potential of SLAM spurred further development of its standoff capabilities, to provide even greater improvements in range, accuracy, warhead penetration, dive angle and mission planning. Because of the Navy's growing focus on littoral warfare, SLAM-ER program initiatives were formalized in December 1994 when the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition gave the go ahead to proceed with engineering and manufacturing development and accelerate SLAM-ER production and deployment to the fleet.